Artificial Neural Networks

Artificial neural networks can be trained to perform
specific tasks by showing them how to respond to particular examples. When this
technique is combined with machine vision technology, powerful systems result
that can learn visual tasks such as inspection and control.

Neural Networks

There are many types of artificial neural networks, designed to mimic different
capabilities of natural neural networks. Some artificial neural networks are
designed purely to solve particular types of problems and bear little or no
resemblance to natural neurons.

A simple feed-forward neural network.

Feed-forward ANNs

A feed-forward artificial neural network is designed to look at an input pattern
and respond with a particular output. It is trained to perform a task by
presenting it with example patterns of inputs and outputs. The network is
trained to reproduce the example outputs when presented with the corresponding
inputs. After training, the network can perform the task for new inputs
that it has never seen before.

The network consists of nodes that perform simple calculations, and connecting
weights between the nodes. Training adjusts the connecting weights so
that the network produces the correct responses to the example inputs.

Applications

Feed-forward neural networks have been successfully applied to a wide variety of
tasks including driving a vehicle, detecting abnormal cells in images, and
financial prediction.

Neural Networks and Machine Vision

The incorporation of Artificial Neural Networks in Machine Vision Systems
provides systems that can be trained by showing them examples of the visual
properties they are to identify. Hamey Vision Systems have used this powerful
combination of techniques to develop a biscuit
bake inspection system in collaboration with
Access Macquarie Ltd and the CRC for International Food Manufacture and
Packaging Science. The system can be trained by showing it examples of biscuits
with different bake levels. This makes the system easy to use and flexible,
able to work with a wide variety of products.